People and communities
Importance of proactive intervention emphasised at Walsall Homelessness Prevention Conference
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One Walsall, in partnership with Old Hall Peoples Partnership (OHPP) and Walsall Council, hosted the annual Walsall Homelessness Prevention Conference (OHPP) on Thursday September 19.
One Walsall, in partnership with Old Hall Peoples Partnership (OHPP) and Walsall Council, hosted the annual Walsall Homelessness Prevention Conference (OHPP) on Thursday September 19.
Around 100 stakeholders attended the event at Manor Farm Community Association to discuss collaborative solutions to help reduce homelessness. The focus of the conference was on the private rented sector and health inequalities.
Delegates were given the opportunity to ask key questions to an expert panel and took part in workshops.
The event was attended by representatives of key partners who make up Walsall’s Housing and Homelessness Steering Group, a strategic partnership which plays a pivotal role in delivering Walsall Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023-2028.
Councillor Garry Perry, Leader of Walsall Council, opened proceedings and emphasised the importance of early intervention and proactive measures to tackle homelessness.
The event provided a valuable platform for essential discussions and collaborations, aimed at strengthening Walsall's community and addressing homelessness challenges.
“ I felt incredibly proud to see how fully engaged and passionate those in attendance were.
“It was inspirational to see the work that goes into ensuring those who face or become homeless receive the fullest possible support possible.
“Homelessness is a community challenge that we care deeply about it and are committed to addressing it.
“I believe we all have the responsibility to shift our approach from reaction to prevention. Prevention is about underlying factors that lead people to the edge, it's about early intervention and providing support before the crisis.
“We must place value on lived experience when creating strategies, and work in collaborative and new ways to continue helping those around us. “
Keynote speaker, Jean Templeton, CEO of St Basils, shared her passion for tackling youth homelessness in the West Midlands. St Basils works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them find and keep a home, grow their confidence, develop their skills, increase opportunities, and prevent homelessness.
Feedback from the Question & Answer Panel and breakout sessions will feed into the council's Homelessness Strategy Action Plan.
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